Network; ongoing

EUSDR Priority Area(s): PA 5 Environmental Risks

These actions and targets align with the proposal’s goals of raising public awareness and involving local governments in environmental safety initiatives. By focusing on these areas, the proposal supports the broader objectives of the EUSDR Action Plan, enhancing the Region’s resilience to environmental risks and promoting sustainable development.

Objectives:

• Increased Public Awareness: Greater understanding among the public about environmental risks and the importance of safety measures.
• Enhanced Local Government Capacity: Improved ability of local governments to manage environmental risks and implement effective safety measures.
• Stronger Community Involvement: Active participation of community members in environmental protection and risk mitigation activities.
• Improved Environmental Safety: Reduced environmental risks and enhanced resilience of the Danube River Basin to various threats.

Need and (expected) impact: The Danube River Basin, spanning multiple countries and home to a diverse range of ecosystems, faces significant environmental risks. These risks include pollution from industrial and agricultural activities, the impacts of climate change such as increased frequency of floods and droughts, and the degradation of biodiversity. Local communities often lack awareness of these risks and the necessary measures to mitigate them, while local governments may struggle with the capacity and resources needed for effective environmental management.

1. Public Awareness: Raising awareness among the general public about environmental risks is critical. Many residents are unaware of the direct impact their activities have on the river basin and the broader ecosystem. Education and awareness campaigns are needed to foster a culture of environmental stewardship.
2. Local Government Involvement: Local governments play a pivotal role in implementing and enforcing environmental policies. However, there is often a gap in knowledge and resources that hinders their ability to effectively manage environmental risks. Providing training and resources to local authorities is essential for enhancing their capacity to address these challenges.
3. Community Engagement: Active participation from local communities is crucial for the success of environmental initiatives. Volunteer programs and public forums can help mobilise community members, making them active participants in protecting their environment.
4. Coordination and Collaboration: Effective environmental management requires coordination among various stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, academic institutions, and businesses. There is a need for a platform that facilitates collaboration and the sharing of best practices. In summary, the project addresses critical needs in the Danube River Basin by raising public awareness, enhancing local government capacity, fostering community engagement, and promoting collaboration. Its impact will be far-reaching, contributing to the environmental resilience, sustainability, and overall well-being of the Region.

Macro-regional dimension: The Danube Strategy Flagship initiative “Enhancing Environmental Safety through Public Awareness and Local Government Involvement in the Danube River Basin” involves cooperation among the 14 countries of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR): Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Republic of Moldova, Ukraine, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Czechia.

This initiative is essential for addressing basin-level activities, such as flood management and responses to industrial emergencies, which necessitate a coordinated, transnational approach due to the interconnected nature of the Danube River. By improving environmental awareness, enhancing local government capacities, and strengthening community engagement across all participating countries, the initiative aims to foster a unified response to these challenges.

A significant focus of the initiative is on non-EU countries within the Region, ensuring that they receive the necessary support and resources to enhance their environmental safety measures. This includes tailored training programs, capacity-building activities, and the establishment of robust communication channels.

Furthermore, the initiative seeks to enhance communication and cooperation across different macro-regions, including the Baltic Sea, Ionian-Adriatic, and Alpine Region. By fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among these Regions, the initiative aims to develop unified and effective responses to environmental challenges, ensuring the safety and sustainability of the Danube River Basin and contributing to the overall resilience of the broader European landscape.

Stakeholders involved:

The Danube Strategy Flagship initiative “Enhancing Environmental Safety through Public Awareness and Local Government Involvement in the Danube River Basin” involves a diverse range of stakeholders at multiple levels. National and regional governments, such as the Ministry of Public Administration and Regional Development in Hungary, act as key drivers, providing policy support and resources. Local governments and municipalities are actively engaged in implementing awareness campaigns and training programmes. Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and community groups are involved in outreach and education efforts. Academic institutions contribute research and expertise, while international organisations, such as the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR), facilitate cross-border collaboration.

Additionally, specific regional entities, including the European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation and County Councils like Csongrád-Csanád in Hungary and Hargita in Romania, play crucial roles. Various project funding opportunities support these activities, such as the Interreg Danube Region Program (1^st call) projects like BeReady, RESTORIVER, SAFETY4TMF, and SpongeCity, Interreg Central Europe Programme calls like NBS4LOCAL and LOCALIENCE, HORIZON calls like DIRECTED and MY-RIAD, and LIFE calls like LIFE LOGOS 4 WATERS. These projects ensure comprehensive and inclusive participation from a wide array of stakeholders across different countries.

Budget and Funding: Interreg Danube Region Programme, Interreg Central Europe Programme, HORIZON

Further information: https://environmentalrisks.danube-region.eu/

Contact: Mr László Balatonyi, Priority Area Coordinator, PA 5, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Hungary,